Seven Corners Special Study
Tuesday, December 11, 2012

VDOT Discussion

First topic: Update on VDOT-Fairfax County agreement about illegal signs
and litter.

Lauren provided details about the ongoing discussions to establish and
agreement between VDOT and Fairfax County; details included current and
future respective responsibilities, timetable for implementation, and
anticipated results.

Emphasized that litter is not a major priority for VDOT – in regards to
policy and available resources – so the agreement would allow Fairfax
County to address the issue more efficiently and proactively. The few
cases that VDOT does respond to come from the Governor’s Office.

Mike further explained that Fairfax County would work with the
Sheriff’s Office to enforce the new agreement, though there will be a
lengthy administrative process to figure out internal operations to get
the program up and running.Committee cited the significant amount of
litter on the sides of Route 50 – road and hillsides, especially under
and just east of the Route 7 overpass.

Committee asked for clarification between illegal signs and litter.

Illegal signs – subject to fines; volunteers can remove when in VDOT
right of way and the volunteer(s) have an Adopt-a-Highway permit for
that stretch of road; volunteers are not permitted to help remove when
not in VDOT right-of-way

Kay suggested that education is a large component to solving the illegal
sign/litter problem.

Mike agreed, but unfortunately there isn’t a strong contingency in
Seven Corners to provide outreach and education – like a Chamber of
Commerce or the like. There may be some opportunities however, such as
through the Baileys Crossroads Revitalization Corp. and/or the local
Rotary Club.

Lauren indicated that she is seeking updates to the VDOT flyer about
signage.

Once the new agreement goes into effect with VDOT, Fairfax County will
regulate the major streets that VDOT used to manage; however, to
improve local streets, adopt-a-highway programs may be the most
efficient.

Distinguished that signs become illegal when they are advertising.

Mike indicated that sign spinners in the VDOT right of way are not
legal and may be reported via non-emergency police. Committee stated
they are often at the intersection of Patrick Henry Drive and Route 50.

Next topic: infrastructure.

VDOT works on a 6-year plan with limited funding.

The 6-year plan is a rolling plan and is addressed every year; includes
public hearing.

Committee discussed with VDOT and staff about panhandler issues and
possible remedies.

Mike suggested that the committee make a formal recommendation to the
task force that police step up patrol for panhandlers; committee
agreed.

Next topic: pedestrian bridge

VDOT is responsible for bridge maintenance; acknowledged that the
lights often don’t work and there’s usually litter and defacement, and
the ramps freeze over.

Currently looking at short- and long-term solutions, particularly
partnerships between VDOT and Fairfax County.

Have fixed the fencing and have worked with police department to
increase patrol.

Bus stops/shelters

Bus stops/shelters are often in VDOT right-of-way, but are maintained
by Fairfax County; related back to panhandlers, who enforces?

VDOT and Fairfax County are working on an agreement to reconcile
responsibilities.

Other

Committee asked about numbers and positioning of signs for reasons of
clarity and aesthetics. Nancy to send Lauren photos of Patrick Henry
Dr. / Route 7 intersection and possibly other areas relating to this
topic.

Lauren indicated that she would review issues and report / return after
investigating with VDOT associates.

VDOT representatives left and the committee moved to more general
discussions.

Committee and staff discussed future plans for Willston Center; no
formal commitments have been made yet. A Committee member had heard it
may be converted to a school; Mike will investigate and report at the
next meeting.

Exxon Station is illegally renting U-Haul equipment; Susan is working
on case.

For next month’s meeting, Mike will prepare draft recommendations for
the committee to review.